Leicester Package store manager on probation for a year after groping customer

Kim Ring TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

Published Saturday February 22, 2014 at 6:00 am

EAST BROOKFIELD — A Charlton man who allegedly grabbed a customer's buttocks when she came to a Leicester store where he is manager pleaded guilty to a reduced charge and will remain on administrative probation for one year.

Shailesh Ambslal Patel, 45, of 44 High Crest Road, Charlton, was charged with indecent assault and battery after police viewed the alleged incident last May on the store's security system. Mr. Patel pointed out the cameras when he was arrested

According to court documents, Officer Scot Brooks was dispatched to Brookside Package Store on Stafford Street a short time after the alleged incident. The victim, who was 25 years old at the time, told police Mr. Patel, who also goes by the name "Sonny," came up behind her and grabbed her. He also caressed her arm and made inappropriate comments about her body, she told police. He is facing another, similar charge, court officials said.

Mr. Patel was ordered to stay away from the victim and have no contact with her. He must also stay away from the doughnut shop where she works and will be assessed a monthly probation fee.

He also received a warning from Judge Maura McCarthy during his sentencing in Western Worcester District Court in East Brookfield.

"You're going to be on a tight leash," she said.

Contact Kim Ring at kring@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @kimmring.